Saalt Menstrual Cups and Discs

A menstruation cup is a small, flexible cup designed to be worn internally during your period. Instead of absorbing flow like tampons or pads, it collects it. Once inserted, the cup forms a gentle seal against the vaginal walls, catching fluid before it leaves the body. You simply remove, empty, rinse, and reinsert as needed: at least once every 12 hours, or more often depending on your personal preference and flow.

Why The Saalt Cup Stands Out

The Saalt Cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, which is biocompatible, odor-free, and free of BPA, latex, and harmful toxins. The Saalt Cup is also FDA registered and compliant, vegan, and cruelty-free. Designed to be comfortable and easy to use, the Saalt Cup offers a secure fit with minimal fuss.

Each cup comes with a handy carry bag and is reusable for up to 10 years, making it a thoughtful choice for your body and the environment. With 12-hour protection day or night and three sizes to match your flow and anatomy, the Saalt Cup offers worry-free, eco-conscious support — so you can focus on enjoying life, not fussing over your period.

Reusable period care is more than a personal switch. It’s a global step toward sustainability and self-empowerment. Unlike single-use pads and tampons made with over 90% plastic, reusable options dramatically reduce waste without compromising comfort or protection. Our period cup is made from medical-grade silicone, is non-toxic, and contains no fragrances or bleaches, giving you peace of mind every cycle.

Reducing Waste, One Cycle At A Time

According to the World Health Organization, people who menstruate may use up to 10,000 disposable products in their lifetime, contributing to over 200,000 metric tons of period product waste each year in countries like the UK alone. Most of these products end up in landfills, taking centuries to break down, or worse: They’re flushed into waterways, where they can cause sewer backups and environmental damage. By choosing reusable products like the Saalt Cup, you’re helping eliminate a portion of the 12 billion disposable products consumed globally every year!

Small Habit, Big Impact

Reusable period care supports menstrual equity, reduces plastic pollution, and offers a long-term solution that’s healthier for your body and more affordable over time. With Saalt, sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice. It means freedom, dignity, and a better future for everyone.

To date, Saalt has donated over 148,000 reusable products, funded 1.3 million days of school, and helped divert over 30 million waste products from landfills. Every time you choose sustainable period care, you support this ripple effect with a global impact that helps menstruators everywhere.

If you’re on the fence about switching to reusable period care, you’re probably wondering how to use a menstrual cup. It might not be as straightforward as a pad or period underwear, but once you’ve found your rhythm, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! Here’s a helpful guide to getting started with your Saalt Cup:

1. Wash Your Hands And Cup

The CDC’s Menstrual Hygiene guidelines recommend washing your hands before and after handling a menstrual product. That’s why you should always begin with clean hands and a germ-free menstrual cup. Your Saalt Cup isn’t supplied to you in a sterile state, so if it’s your first time using it or you’re starting a new cycle, sanitize your cup by boiling it in water for 4–5 minutes (but never more than 7). Allow it to fully cool and dry before insertion.

2. Find A Comfortable Position

Try sitting on the toilet, standing with one leg raised, or squatting. All of these are valid positions, so choose whatever helps you relax. If you need a few moments to take a few deep breaths, go for it! After all, tension makes insertion more difficult.

3. Fold The Cup

Use a simple fold technique like the punch-down or C-fold to compress the cup. The C-fold creates a U-shape by folding the cup in half lengthwise, while the punch-down fold tucks one side of the rim into the base for a smaller, tapered point. This makes the rim smaller for easier insertion. Feel free to practice and test out a few different types of folds to see which one you like best.

4. Insert At An Angle

With one hand, gently separate your labia. With the other, insert the folded cup rim-first, aiming it toward your tailbone, not straight up. This aligns with your anatomy for smoother placement.

5. Let It Open And Check The Seal

Once the cup is fully inside, it should gently open. You may feel or hear a slight "pop" as it unfolds and creates a seal. Run a finger around the base (not the stem) to make sure the cup is fully open. A slight tug on the stem should meet resistance — this means you’ve got a secure seal. Congratulations on successfully inserting your cup!

6. Adjust For Comfort

The cup should sit lower than a tampon, and the stem will usually be completely inside. If it feels uncomfortable, remove, and try again. It may take a few cycles to get the hang of it, but practice makes perfect. If you’re still deciding on your perfect fit, check out our selection to find the best menstrual cup for your body and lifestyle. For example, if you have a low cervix, are under 18, or have a petite build, the Saalt Teen Cup offers a smaller, beginner-friendly option that’s 56 mm tall instead of the usual 70 mm. Prefer a gentler feel? The Saalt Soft Cup is made with an ultra-soft silicone formula, ideal for those with bladder sensitivity, cramping, or general discomfort with firmer cups.

This is a new skill, and it’s perfectly okay if it doesn’t feel second nature right away. Everyone’s anatomy is different. Stay patient, listen to your body, and know that the Saalt team is always here with resources and support — no awkward questions are off limits. You’ve got this!

Removing your menstrual cup may feel intimidating at first, but with a little patience, it can become just another part of your routine. Plus, with some practice, you won’t spill a drop. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown on how to do it:

• Start With Clean Hands: Wash your hands with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
• Locate The Base: Gently reach in and find the stem of your Saalt Cup — not to pull, but to guide your fingers to the base. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the base and break the seal.
• Remove With Care: Once you feel the seal release, slowly wiggle the cup side to side while guiding it out. Keep it upright to help prevent spills.
• Empty And Rinse: Pour the contents into the toilet or sink. Rinse with clean water or use the Saalt Travel Kit for on-the-go cleanups. This convenient kit includes a squeeze bottle and Saalt Cup Wash for rinsing in a stall or outdoors, plus a compact sanitizer for boiling or microwaving to sanitize your cup in 3 minutes — all packed in a reusable cotton bag so you’re always prepared, wherever your period finds you. Just add water, and your menstrual cup or Saalt Disc is ready to go!
• Reinsert Or Store: Reinsert your cup or place it in your pouch until the next time you need it. We recommend deep cleaning your cup by boiling it before reinserting it for your next cycle.

When you’re new to using a menstrual cup, it’s completely normal to have questions about keeping it fresh and safe. The good news is that caring for your cup is straightforward, and a well-kept cup means worry-free periods, cycle after cycle. Here’s how to keep things clean, simple, and stress-free for years to come:

• Clean Between Uses: During your cycle, you’ll want to clean your cup at least once every 12 hours. You can do so by giving your cup a good rinse with cold water (to prevent staining) and then wash it with hot water and Saalt Wash. You could also use a different cleanser that’s mild, pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and oil-free. Your chosen soap should rinse clean with no residue for best results. Harsh or scented soaps can damage the cup’s material and irritate your body, so it’s best to keep things gentle.
• Clean Every Corner: Don’t forget to wash every nook and cranny, including the air holes near the rim. You can flush them clean with running water or gently wipe with a soft cloth. Flipping the cup inside out can help. Once clean, your cup is ready to go back in or be stored if your cycle is done.
• Sanitize At The End Of Each Cycle: Once your period ends, boil your cup for 4–5 minutes (no more than 7) using tongs or a whisk to keep it from resting on the bottom of the pot. Alternatively, you can use a soft cloth to wipe it with 70% isopropyl alcohol, and then let it air dry fully.
• Let It Breathe: After cleaning, allow your cup to dry completely and store it in a breathable bag (never a sealed container). Silicone loves airflow.
• Check In Occasionally: Some discoloration over time is normal. But if you notice a persistent odor, rips, or damage to the silicone, it might be time for a fresh start with a new cup.

Consistent care means your Saalt Cup stays safe, comfy, and ready to support you cycle after cycle. Still curious about cleaning? Check out our video tutorials for extra tips!

Choosing between a menstrual disc vs. cup isn’t about picking a “better” product. It’s about finding the one that fits your body, lifestyle, and comfort preferences. Both offer reliable, reusable period care, but their design and placement in the body make each one unique.

Menstrual Cups: Secure And Reliable

Menstrual cups like the Saalt Cup rest in the vaginal canal, where they form a soft seal and gently collect menstrual fluid. Many cup users appreciate the “set it and forget it” ease with up to 12 hours of leak-free wear, even on heavy days. They’re ideal for active routines and offer a trusted, long-term solution for a wide range of bodies.

Cups come in various styles, including the ultra-soft Saalt Soft Cup (perfect for those with cramping or sensitivity) and the Saalt Teen Cup, designed specifically for younger users or petite bodies.

Menstrual Discs: Low-Profile And Ultra-Flexible

Menstrual discs sit higher in the body, tucked behind the pubic bone and beneath the cervix. Unlike cups, discs don’t rely on suction to stay in place, and are especially comfortable for those with a weak pelvic floor or bladder sensitivity. Discs also allow for mess-free sex during your period, since they don’t block the vaginal canal.

The Saalt Disc Duo gives you both sizes of the fan-favorite Saalt Disc in one box — ideal if your cervix height changes during your cycle, or you’re still figuring out what size works best. Each disc is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and features a soft-but-secure design with a custom finger hold for easier removal. The Small holds up to 30 mL of fluid (3–4 tampons) and the Regular size holds up to 50 mL (5–6 tampons), offering roomy protection in a slim, barely-there fit.

Discs can also be worn for up to 12 hours and are cleaned and sanitized the same way as menstrual cups. You can use a gentle, pH-balanced wash on them during your cycle, and you’ll want to give your disc a deeper clean between cycles using boiling water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or the Saalt Steamer or Saalt Compact Sanitizer.

Which One Should You Choose?

That depends entirely on what feels most comfortable. Cups sit in the vaginal canal, and a dependable seal keeps them in place. Discs rest higher and stay in place without suction, and can be worn for no-mess period sex. Whichever you choose, you're investing in comfort, sustainability, and period care that meets you exactly where you are.